How we verify backlinks
A backlink only counts when we can see it. Here is exactly what happens on every check.
1. We fetch the live source page
Our server requests the page that should link to you, as a crawler would. Redirects are followed (up to five) and recorded. For safety, requests to private, internal or cloud-metadata addresses are refused, responses are size-capped and time-limited, and nothing is executed.
2. We look for an actual link
We parse the HTML and look for an <a href> that resolves to your target – the exact URL, anything under it, or any page on your domain, depending on how the link is tracked. Tracking parameters, www. and trailing slashes are ignored. For YouTube, every URL form of the same video counts.
3. We record the evidence
- The anchor text and the
relattributes:nofollow,sponsored,ugc. - The HTTP status and the full redirect chain.
- Whether the source page is
noindex(meta robots or X-Robots-Tag) or names a different canonical URL – both reduce what a link is likely to be worth. - Embeds and plain-text mentions are noted, but never counted as links.
4. We keep checking
Unconfirmed links are re-checked daily and verified links weekly; failed checks back off gradually. A network error never changes a status – only an actual answer from the page does. Every check is kept, so you can see when a link appeared or disappeared.
The statuses
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Discovered | We matched a destination or outreach idea to your asset. |
| Eligible | You confirmed it fits. |
| Prepared | Listing copy has been drafted for you to review. |
| Submitted | You (or an approved integration) submitted it. |
| Pending review | The destination is moderating the submission. |
| Published | You say the link is live. We check it. |
| Verified | We found the link on the live page. Only a check can set this. |
| Failed | We checked and the link was not there. |
| Rejected | The destination declined. |
| Lost | It was verified before and is now missing. |
| Removed | The source page itself is gone (404 or 410). |
What we never do
- Count a generated URL, an embed or a mention as a backlink.
- Create accounts at scale, post comments, open pull requests or submit anywhere without permission.
- Bypass CAPTCHAs, bot protection, logins or site rules.
- Invent authority scores, rankings, testimonials or AI visibility figures.
- Promise indexing or rankings – no one can.
Try it on any page with the free Backlink Checker.